Kirby was successful aboard the Charlie Appleby-trained six-year-old at Windsor last summer and on his most recent appearance at Goodwood and was called on again by the Godolphin team for this Group Three test.

The 13-2 shot was settled out the back of the field in the early stages and still had each of his six rivals in front of him at the top of the home straight.

Kirby soon went for a run up the far rail and just managed to squeeze between the pacesetting Highland Knight and favourite Graphic heading towards the furlong marker.

Once in the clear, French Navy sealed the deal with an impressive turn of foot and came home two and a quarter lengths clear.

Graphic was a clear second ahead of Godolphin's other runner, Windhoek, in third.

Kirby said: "He went down to the start a completely different horse to that of a couple of weeks ago at Goodwood and I thought to myself that he was on song today.

"In the first part of the race, though, he never picked the bridle up, I didn't keep chasing him I just waited for him to take me and when he did I thought I may as well take the brave man's route down the inside.

"When it opened up, fair play to him he quickened nicely and toughed it out well. He's been good to me this horse."

Appleby said: "It's great for the team to have winners when his Highness (Sheikh Mohammed) and Princess Haya are here.

"I was concerned that the ground was starting to dry out, but he's thriving this year. I spoke to Adam before before the race and he'd finished second at the Craven meeting at Newmarket when it was the fast side of good and we couldn't have used it as an excuse that day.

"He handles this ground, but you'll see a better horse with a bit of cut."

Saeed bin Suroor, trainer of third home Windhoek who was ridden by Kieren Fallon, was pleased with the run of his charge.

"He ran well and will be an even better horse, but he was beaten by French Navy last time and again today," he said.

"Last time was over ten furlongs, but we felt a mile would suit him better. I have no immediate plans for him, but we will look for another Group race."

Appleby is hopeful that this victory could signal the start of a good spell for the global operation with Royal Ascot just around the corner.

"We have a nice team coming to hand for Royal Ascot. The juveniles have all been doing well and breaking their maidens nicely. Hopefully, if they stay fit and well, we will be taking a nice team of two-year-olds to Ascot this year," he added.

"Outstrip scoped dirty after the Guineas but he is fit, well and in good order now, so we will go for the St James's Palace Stakes with him. Certify is due to go for the Duke of Cambridge and she is in good order. We are building a nice team and looking forward to it."